Nathan Broadhead: The Difference Maker
A look at the impact the Everton loanee has made to Sunderland’s promotion push.
Nathan Broadhead has become a fan favourite in Wearside in recent times. The 24 year-old’s habit of scoring crucial goals has been integral for Sunderland in the late stages of this incredibly-tight League One campaign. With 11 goals in 22 appearances for the Black Cats, the Welshman is one Sunderland fans are desperate for the club to sign permanently.
After years of struggling to break into the Everton first team, Broadhead was loaned to Sunderland for the 2021/22 campaign in what seemed like a final roll of the dice. Joining the club at the age of 23, he had made just 2 senior appearances for the Toffees. After a very mediocre loan spell at fellow League One side Burton 2 years previously, it seemed his time was running out for a shot in the Premier League. In the early stages of the season, Broadhead was used mainly as a substitute and was given a proper run out in the EFL cup. It would be in the 3rd round of the competition that Broadhead would earn his first goal, against League One leaders Wigan Athletic. This earned him a first league start the following week against Cheltenham, in which he produced a solid performance in a 5-0 home win.
It would be late November/December where Broadhead would kickstart his season, as he produced 6 goals in as many games. One of which, happened to be against Arsenal. However, it would be in this clash against the Gooners that a hamstring injury would stagnate his season, as he was ruled out for 3 months.
After a brief one game cameo against Charlton, where it was clear he’d been rushed back far too soon, Broadhead returned to the side from the bench against Gillingham. A cross from Elliot Embleton found his head in the 95th minute, which he nodded home to give Sunderland all 3 points.
The same happened 2 weeks later against Shrewsbury, where he scored his 2nd of the game in the 92nd minute to win the game for Sunderland. With 3 goals in 4 games upon his return from injury, Sunderland fans are all now demanding the same thing: Sign Nathan Broadhead.
Often playing in a 2, Broadhead has combined well with Ross Stewart all season and has offered a different style of play to that of the Scotsman. NB likes to drop deeper to receive the ball in spaces between the opposition lines, allowing his teammates to make runs beyond him for a passing option. However, this isn’t to say that Broadhead doesn’t like to make runs in behind, with him scoring several goals from 1v1 positions this season. His agility, link-up play and dribbling are among his biggest strengths as he is capable of showing selflessness in the final third. Despite only being 5”10, Broadhead’s heading ability is impressive. Having scored 3 headers so far this season, it shows he can score a variety of goals. Strong with both feet and able to score in the air, he has proven a breath of fresh air to the Sunderland squad.
With only one year left of his Everton contract, a large part of the possibility of Broadhead signing permanently rests on the end to Everton’s season. If Everton do get relegated, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are destined to leave for top-flight football. This could leave Broadhead as one of only a few strikers remaining for selection. If he stays fit and continues to improve, there is no reason why he couldn’t make the step up to the championship. Likewise, If Sunderland get promoted, we should be trying everything possible to acquire his services permanently.
On the topic of promotion, the likelihood is that Sunderland will be competing in the play-offs for a third time in League One. With 2 last-minute winners and a goal against Arsenal, NB is made for the big occasion. There is no bigger stage in the EFL than the play-offs and if there was ever a player for Sunderland to turn to in the time of need, Broadhead is up there.
All in all, no matter what league Sunderland are playing their football next season, signing Nathan Broadhead has to be a priority in the summer.